FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this 18 Monday in Ordinary Time is, “Food Glorious Food.”

I’m sure some of you have seen the movie or play, Oliver, where they sing “Food, Glorious Food.”

The kids in the orphanage are starving and they want food, glorious food.

Even if it’s gruel or ugly grey cereal or porridge.

What’s your take on food?

TODAY’S READINGS

In today’s two readings we hear about people wanting food.

We are all hungry for food - any kind of food at times - and at other times food we like - really like.

Hunger is a real thing.

Complaining about food or lack of food is a common experience.

In the first reading from Numbers 11: 4b-11  the children of Israel are crying for food - meat, fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. And all that is sitting there is manna.

I love the translation of manna as,  “What is this?”

In today’s gospel - Matthew 14: 13-21 - they have to make due with five loaves and two fish - and somehow Jesus feeds the crowds and there are twelve wicker baskets filled with food left over.  Jesus pulls this off for about 5000 men, not counting women and children.

What’s your take on food?  What’s your take on these texts? There are many.

HERE ARE TWO TAKE OUTS ON FOOD FOR HOMILY THOUGHTS

The first would be having the attitude of thankfulness when it comes to food. Be thankful.  Say grace before meals.

Thank God and then thank the shoppers and thank the payers and shoppers and  thank the preparers and the cleaners of food and pots and pans.

Thanksgiving Day is a good model to keep in mind when it comes to food.

On that day we celebrate with food, glorious food.

On that day we celebrate with taking more time to talk and just be with each other.  Thanksgiving Dinner is usually the longest meal of the year.

On that day people make it a point to show up as family - with each other.

The second theme would be to make sure everyone has their daily bread.

It’s easy to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”  It’s easy to say, “I love you.”   It’s difficult to donate to food pantries, to work in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to make sure folks have enough food.

At the end of a life, could we say, “I helped provide for 5000 meals for others.”

CONCLUSION

Okay those are two thoughts that hopefully trigger good thoughts about food.

Just in case my homily didn’t float or feed you, here are 5 quotes about food.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” That’s from Ernestine Ulmer

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” That’s from Julia Child.

An onion can make people cry but there's never been a vegetable that can make people laugh.” That’s from Will Rogers.

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.” That’s from Cesar Chavez

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” - Jonathan Swift